Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting schools through phishing attacks, tricking staff, students, and administrators into sharing sensitive information via fake emails and websites. The best defense? A well-informed school community.
Phishing simulation and cybersecurity awareness platforms can help schools build a strong human firewall by teaching users to spot threats before they click. These tools provide hands-on training through realistic phishing tests, followed by follow-up education to reinforce smart online behavior.
Below, we’ve rounded up 10 popular cybersecurity awareness platforms that include phishing simulation features—designed to help your school stay a step ahead of cyber threats.
Each entry includes:
- Why it’s worth knowing
- What it’s best for
- A note or feature to help you get more from it
Let’s take a closer look at these must-know sites.
10 Phishing Simulation Tools to Strengthen Cybersecurity in Schools
1. Barracuda Security Awareness
Why it’s worth knowing:
From a trusted name in email security, Barracuda’s awareness platform offers robust phishing simulation alongside user training and analytics.
Best for:
Schools that already use Barracuda’s email security tools and want a connected training experience.
Notes:
Provides easy-to-read risk scoring and automated training paths based on user performance.
2. Cofense PhishMe
Why it’s worth knowing:
PhishMe was one of the first platforms to focus exclusively on phishing simulation, offering highly customizable tests and analytics.
Best for:
Districts with dedicated IT or cybersecurity staff looking for advanced phishing awareness training.
Notes:
Offers phishing templates modeled after real-world attacks to test user response.
3. Fortinet FortiPhish
Why it’s worth knowing:
FortiPhish, part of the Fortinet cybersecurity ecosystem, brings phishing simulation into a unified network security environment.
Best for:
Schools already using Fortinet for firewalls, endpoint protection, or network security.
Notes:
Delivers detailed analytics and integrates well with other Fortinet tools.
4. Ironscales Security Awareness
Why it’s worth knowing:
Ironscales combines phishing simulations with AI-powered email threat detection for a dual-layered defense.
Best for:
Schools that want automation and real-time threat response in one tool.
Notes:
Includes “report phishing” buttons in email platforms, enabling quick user feedback loops.
5. KnowBe4
Why it’s worth knowing:
KnowBe4 is one of the most widely used platforms in education, known for its vast library of phishing templates and training videos.
Best for:
Schools of any size looking for a proven, scalable solution with strong support.
Notes:
Gamified elements and microlearning keep users engaged over time.
6. Mimecast Engage
Why it’s worth knowing:
Mimecast Engage blends security training with engaging, bite-sized content to keep awareness fresh.
Best for:
Districts looking for short, high-frequency lessons tied to real-world events.
Notes:
Includes quizzes, phishing tests, and quick-reference guides for users.
7. PhishLabs by Fortra
Why it’s worth knowing:
PhishLabs focuses on phishing intelligence and response, pairing training with actual threat analysis.
Best for:
Districts that want training grounded in current threat data.
Notes:
Includes real-time threat intelligence to inform training scenarios.
8. PhishingBox
Why it’s worth knowing:
PhishingBox offers customizable testing with easy-to-understand analytics and user tracking.
Best for:
IT teams looking for flexibility in creating their own phishing campaigns.
Notes:
Great option for schools that want to run frequent, varied phishing simulations.
9. Proofpoint
Why it’s worth knowing:
Known for enterprise-grade security, Proofpoint’s awareness platform helps schools address risky behavior with targeted education.
Best for:
Schools seeking a data-driven approach to user behavior change.
Notes:
Supports in-depth user segmentation for customized training delivery.
10. SANS Security Awareness
Why it’s worth knowing:
SANS is a leader in cybersecurity training and offers educational content designed for high-impact learning.
Best for:
Schools that want professionally developed training content with a strong educational foundation.
Notes:
Offers leadership-level content to help school administrators champion cybersecurity best practices.
In Closing
Phishing attacks aren’t going away—but your school community can become smarter, faster, and better prepared.
These tools can help:
- Simulate real-world attacks in a safe way
- Reinforce training with targeted lessons
- Identify vulnerabilities before they’re exploited
When choosing a platform, some things that you should consider include:
- How well it integrates with your existing systems
- Whether it supports staff, students, and administrators
- The balance between ease of use and depth of analytics
The right solution will not only reduce your risk, but also empower your staff to act as the first line of defense.
Here’s to a safer digital school environment for everyone.
*Is there a school cyber security awareness solution that you love but didn’t see on our list? Share your suggestion with us here.
Disclaimer: This list is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement of any specific software. We recommend conducting independent research to determine the best cyber security awareness solution for your school.
